MENTORING PHILOSOPHY
At Kulkarni Lab, we foster inclusive, safe, and supportive research practices. Trainees will receive comprehensive mentorship from me, facilitating their development as independent scientists. The environment in my lab promotes diversity and inclusion, ensuring all members feel valued and supported.
Rigorous and Unbiased Experimental Design: A cornerstone of the training program is maintaining a strong record in teaching and practicing rigorous and unbiased experimental design, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of results. Trainees in my lab will develop the skills to conduct high-quality research, ensuring reproducibility and reliability in scientific discoveries.
Standards of Safety and Practice: We are committed to adhering to the highest standards of safety and ethical practice, ensuring the well-being of all individuals in the research environment. This commitment extends to the ethical treatment of model organisms, data management, and laboratory safety, fostering a culture of responsibility and respect.
Career Development and Transition: The environment in my lab supports trainees in exploring and preparing for a wide range of careers in the biomedical research workforce. Through personalized career development discussions, networking opportunities, and exposure to various career paths in conferences and at UVA, trainees will gain insights into the skills and experiences required to succeed in their chosen fields. This holistic approach ensures that trainees are well-prepared to navigate the job market and contribute meaningfully to the biomedical research community.
Transition into the Workforce: The training plan in my lab is designed to ensure trainees complete their Ph.D. degrees efficiently, equipped with the necessary credentials and experiences to start successful careers in biomedical research. By offering structured support, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research facilities, the mentoring plan aims to streamline the path to degree completion and facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce.
DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At Kulkarni Lab, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our research and academic endeavors are enriched and more impactful when they involve the perspectives and talents of people from a multitude of backgrounds.
Diversity: We embrace and value the diversity of our team members, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, national origins, and religions. Our lab is a place where everyone's identity is respected.
Equity: We strive to create an equitable environment where all members have access to the same opportunities. This includes equitable access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued equally in our collaborative process.
Inclusion: We are committed to building an inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and integrated. This means actively inviting and considering diverse perspectives, fostering a supportive atmosphere, and challenging any forms of discrimination or exclusion.
Action and Accountability: Our commitment to DEI is not just in words but in action. We actively seek to recruit diverse team members, seek training and education on DEI topics, and ensure our practices support these values. We also recognize the importance of listening, learning, and evolving our approach as we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Collaboration and Community: We believe in the power of collaboration, not just within our lab but with the broader university and global academic community.
We invite all current and new members of our lab, as well as our collaborators, to join us in this important work. Together, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive academic environment.